Chromatin re-organization in response to replication stress

Background and unmet need:

The mammalian genome is a highly organized structure where distinct

chromosomal domains occupy discrete territories and position in a non-random fashion. Genome

organization also determines the proper functioning of various biological processes, including DNA

replication. Genome organization has been widely studied in the context of gene regulation, while

recently the role of genome organization in mediating DNA damage repair at DSB sites has also come

to light. However, there is scarce information on how newly replicating region is organized in response

to replication stress.

Hypothesis to be tested:

My hypothesis is that stalled replication forks, especially at the regions prone

to acquire breaks, undergo compartmentalization/re-organization within the 3-D nuclear space in

response to replication stress to allow efficient fork protection and fork restart ability.

Objectives:

This unique multidisciplinary project will yield critical information to reveal hidden

connections of chromatin organization, replication fork stability and chemoresistance. With this ERC

project, I will determine for the first time i) the mechanistic insights of chromatin organization changes

mediated by chromatin remodeling activity in response to replication stress, ii) identify novel chromatin

mobilizers associated with replication forks and iii) determine the significance of chromatin reorganization

to cope with replication stress for establishing resistance towards chemotherapeutic drugs

in cancer cells and patient samples.

Expected Outcomes:

My project will not only advance our fundamental knowledge on spatial &

temporal reorganization of chromatin architecture containing stressed replication forks, but it also has a

high potential to contribute to identifying novel targets aimed at chromatin organizers that mediates

resistance towards replication stress inducing chemotherapeutics.